Secondary Programs - Intermediate/Senior (Recommended for Grades 9 - 12) - Top
NOTE: Teachers are requested to choose one of the following program selections. Students will participate in either a hike or wide game for the other half of the day.
Biology, Geography & Environmental Science
Water Systems: Category 2
Working in small groups, students will conduct a series of in-stream measurements to calculate average stream width, depth & rate of flow. Other activities include mapping the area, recording evidence of erosion, streambed structure and stream bank characteristics. We will look at the effect of environmental and human influences on our water supply. Determine pH and Alkalinity of various water bodies in the area to compare water quality and health. Fall / Spring
Curriculum Links: GEOGRAPHY: Human-Environment Interactions; BIOLOGY: Sustainable Ecosystems; ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE; Impacts on the Environment
Stream Ecology: Healthy Streams, Healthy Communities: Category 2
Students will collect Benthic Macro invertebrates (BMI’s) from a shallow stream to determine stream quality. Identify key BMI’s that may indicate various pollution levels of a stream. Students will use a dichotomous key to identify species and gain an understanding of aquatic indicator species. Fall / Spring
Curriculum Links: GEOGRAPHY: Human-Environment Interactions; BIOLOGY: Sustainable Ecosystems; Diversity of Living Things; Biodiversity; ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE; Impacts on the Environment
Investigating Natural Ecosystems:
Using a variety of field sampling techniques, students will conduct a comparative analysis of two different biological ecosystems and evaluate the impacts on these systems from natural and human stresses. Fall, Winter or Spring
Curriculum Links: BIOLOGY: Diversity of Living Things – Biodiversity; GEOGRAPHY: Human-Environment Interactions ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE; Impacts on the Environment
Plant & Tree Identification
Students will use keys to identify common plants as well as deciduous and coniferous trees of the area.
Curriculum Links: BIOLOGY: Plants in the Natural Environment; Diversity of Living Things; Biodiversity. Fall, Winter or Spring
Forest Ecology
What is the impact of human recreational activities on forest ecosystem biodiversity? Students will measure and compare species diversity in two forest plots and examine human activity factors that might affectnatural diversity. Fall, Winter or Spring.
Curriculum Links: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE; Impacts on the Environment; BIOLOGY: Diversity of Living Things -Biodiversity
Wildlife Ecology
Explore the relationship between biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) components in an environment. Understand the importance of various ecosystems and their key components. What is herbivore, omnivore and carnivore? Participate in active games to explore concepts such as camouflage, predator/prey relationships, carrying capacity and population dynamics. Learn about some of the common animals of the area. Fall, Winter or Spring
Curriculum Links: BIOLOGY: Diversity of Living Things – Biodiversity; ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE; Impacts on the Environment
Outdoor Acive Programs: Physical Education: - Top
Curriculum Links: Health & Physical Education: Active Participation
Conservation Projects
Through good watershed stewardship practices, the Hamilton Conservation Authority works hard to improve wetland habitat and protect sources of water. This is an opportunity for students to participate in a series of hands-on ecological restoration projects. Projects include:
- Planting of native trees & shrubs
- Construction of brush piles, nesting boxes and feeding stations
- Care and maintenance of newly planted trees and shrubs
- Removal of invasive species
- Fall, Winter or Spring Note: Projects vary according to season and priority.
Curriculum Links: BIOLOGY; Biodiversity, Natural Resource Science; Life Systems Health & Physical Education:Active Participation
Eco Challenge
An exciting and fun way for students to explore biodiversity. Take up this team challenge in search of clues relating to our local biodiversity. The team with the most items from the list at the end of that time wins!
Fall, Winter or Spring Curriculum Links: BIOLOGY; Biodiversity, Natural Resource Science
Co-operative Games: Recommended for Grades 9 - 10
We offer a variety of active, outdoor games that emphasize participation, co-operation, challenge and fun. The goal of these activities is to challenge each participant’s ability to work together as a group. The activities stress co-operation as opposed to competition. Fall / Spring
Team Building: Grades 11 & 12 Fall / Spring
Half Day & Full Day Program Options Available. These activities focus on:
- Improved communication, encouragement, and decision making skills
- Increased level of trust and support within working groups
- Increased level of individual self-confidence & leadership skills
Snowshoe Expedition: Category 2
Learn the basics of snowshoeing. Find out which style of snowshoe you prefer - Traditional or Hi -Tech. Challenge yourself as we explore the great outdoors. Winter: Weather Permitting
Get Oriented! An Introduction to Orienteering
Students are introduced to the basics of orienteering, including; parts of a compass, use of a compass to find direction, and map reading. Skills will be a put to the test as students use a map and compass to navigate their way through a designated area. Fall, Winter or Spring
Bruce Trail Hike: Dundas Valley Conservation Area
Level of ability is intermediate. Allow 2 hours.
This guided hike follows the Bruce Trail as it winds through the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. Within the park, the Bruce Trail passes through stream valleys, shady deciduous forests, old apple orchards, meandering above and below the Niagara Escarpment. Full or Half Day Hike options available. Fall, Winter or Spring
Around the Lake Trail: Christie Lake Outdoor Education Centre
Level of ability is Beginner/ Intermediate. Allow 2 hours.
This guided hike follows the trail around the lake at the Christie Lake Conservation Area. The trail begins at the Outdoor Centre, crosses over the dam and winds its way through coniferous plantations and shady deciduous forests. The gently sloping trail crosses a causeway on the return trip to the centre. Fall / Spring
Wide Games
These games make use of large forest and field areas, encouraging students to work together co-operatively & strategize. Choose from one of the following activities:
Capture the Flag
The goal of this game is for each team to seek out and capture the flag of the other team while keeping their own flag safe. Fall, Winter or Spring
Alpha Wolf
The Alpha is the lead animal in any pack. Teams attempt to locate the Alpha in order to improve their pack's strength. Another adaptation of this game is to avoid being captured by the Alpha and keep your own pack safe. Fall, Winter or Spring
Survival of the Fittest
A predator/prey role playing game. The objective - to survive! The challenge – to avoid predators, and other dangers in order to survive. The search is on for the basic necessities of life! Fall, Winter or Spring
